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Shops in and around Wigan

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John Lowe's shop in Atherton (brother of James Lowe in Wigan)
John Lowe's shop in Atherton (brother of James Lowe in Wigan)
Photo: Georgina Hayman (nee Lowe)
Views: 3,231
Item #: 23784
The photo is of my great grandfather's shop in Atherton. His name is John Lowe and he was James Lowe's brother.(James Lowe had the shop in Wigan). My grandfather Oswald John Lowe is on the left of the picture, and his brother George is on the right. This picture must be 1910 or earlier. Would be good to know where Lowe's of Atherton was sited; I do not have an address. Oswald John Lowe became an accountant and had his own firm, 'Lowe, Towler and Latham' in Leigh. George worked in the shop with his father.

Comment by: Mick on 10th August 2013 at 16:48

According to the 1905 Kelly's Directory, there was a John Lowe (Pawnbroker snd Clothier), at number 15 Market Street Atherton.

Comment by: JohnB on 10th August 2013 at 18:18

Sadly it's been replaced by a relatively modern building, needless to say with far less character, named "Just Looking" which occupies nos. 11 to 15, Market Street. If you type this into google maps it will bring up the photo. Very interesting to hear about the Lowe family - I often wondered if Harry Lowe of early Wigan RL fame (a pioneering RL man who brought many famous rugby stars to Wigan from around the world) had anything to do with the same family.

Comment by: Georgina Hayman nee lowe on 10th August 2013 at 23:58

Thanks for your help here. Very interesting. It sounds like he had one shop and then expanded sideways as the photo shows 2, or possibly 3 shop fronts. John Lowe employed his 7 children in various ways in or for the shop. There was an older brother Harry, but I have not heard anything about him playing rugby, though many of the family are ardent rugby supporters and many were keen players, at school at least. I think the Harry Lowe you refer to is a different one.

Comment by: JohnB on 11th August 2013 at 12:07

Georgina, I shall post photo of the Harry Lowe associated with the Wigan RL club, if nothing else it will give you a comparison.

Comment by: Georgina Hayman nee Lowe on 12th August 2013 at 02:14

Thanks for that.The Harry Lowe you have posted is definitely not my grandfather's brother. I would have to investigate further to see if he was a more distant relation. However I think it is unlikely as I am sure he would have reached family fame as it were and I have never heard about any rugby stars in our family. You have a post from someone who is a relation though to the Harry Lowe you mention.

Comment by: John F on 9th June 2025 at 18:03

Hi Georgina, lovely photo of your great grand father. I have information about the Lowe family which I would like to share with you and would love to hear from you (and any other Lowe family members).
Kind regards, John from Atherton.

Comment by: Georgina Hayman nee Lowe on 12th June 2025 at 23:48

Thank you for your comment. What is the information you wish to share?

Comment by: RON HUNT on 13th June 2025 at 16:19

GEORGINA, YOU CAN EMAIL JOHN BY CLICKING ON THE BLACK ENVELOPE.

Comment by: RON HUNT on 13th June 2025 at 16:41

GEORGINA I'VE MANAGED TO CLEAN YOUR IMAGE UP A BIT. DROP ME AN EMAIL AND I'LL SEND IT ONTO YOU.

Comment by: Georgina Hayman nee Lowe on 15th June 2025 at 13:18

Found the black envelope only took me to Google, but John F and I are now in direct contact in any case and exchanging interesting information. The wonders of the internet!
Please just post the improved photo here Ron.Thanks

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